Spinal Trauma and Fractures

Traumatic spine injuries affect relatively few people each year. But when they do occur, the results can feel devastating. Even though many heal without surgery, recovery may take months. This can make it difficult to care for yourself or your family.

Burst fractures occur when one or more vertebrae are crushed into several pieces. During the “burst,” bone shards often enter the spinal canal.

Fracture-dislocations occur when vertebrae are both broken and popped out of alignment.

Most spinal fractures and dislocations are caused by traumatic events. These include car accidents, severe falls and sports injuries. Others occur in people whose bones are weakened by disease. People with osteoporosis are prone to compression fractures.

Symptoms of spinal fractures or dislocations vary, and may include:

Neck or back pain.

Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs.

Bladder or bowel problems.

Partial or complete paralysis.

Treatment for Spinal Fractures and Dislocations at Mercy

We know that a traumatic spine injury can be a frightening experience. We’ll care for you quickly but thoroughly, and do everything we can to keep you calm and comfortable.

Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury. It may include:

Neck collars or back braces to keep your spine aligned and immobilized while you heal.

Surgery to repair or fuse fractured vertebrae, relieve pressure on compressed nerves or stabilize the spine.

Whether you receive care in one of Mercy’s emergency rooms or from one of our orthopedic specialists or neurosurgeons, you’ll find plenty of medical and emotional support. Even if your road to recovery is long, you can rest assured we’ll be with you every step of the way.

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Mercy Hospital Joplin received the Vista Award from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) this week in recognition of the organization’s team-based approach to planning, designing and constructing the new hospital.